VSAE ConneXions

Connecting with Sarah Sladek

In this episode, we talk to Sarah Sladek, a 20-year industry veteran who has dedicated her career to studying and researching the membership and engagement shift. Join us for a conversation about major differences in the generations that make up associations, why her generational research is so important, competition in the association space, and innovative approaches for increasing member retention and loyalty.
Show notes
For more than 20 years, Sarah Sladek has dedicated her career to studying and researching the membership and engagement shift. She uses this wisdom to help membership professionals, leaders, teams, and organizations change their paths and become successful. Her modern-day membership science and cutting-edge engagement strategies have helped save thousands of membership organizations and associations around the world. For more information on Sarah's research, and how to order her latest book Membershift: Why Members Leave and the Strategies Proven to Bring Them Back, visit sarahsladek.com.
 
This podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Connecting with Jennifer Watson, CAE

In this episode, we talk to Jennifer Watson, CAE, membership manager of the Society of American Foresters. Join us for a conversation about her career journey, changes in association membership, how associations can stay relevant, leveraging collective resources and expertise to support members during times of crisis, and the value of VSAE membership.
Show notes
After 25 years of working in the nonprofit field, Jennifer Watson’s diverse background brings a unique perspective and skill set.  She is passionate about establishing connections between organizations and those who can either support the mission or receive its services.  Jennifer has developed the skill of networking through a variety of positions involving resource cultivation, direct solicitation, strategy development, research, event planning, public speaking, networking, database management, and leveraging social media.  She believes that by connecting target audiences with information through various platforms both in person and online, we are cultivating a more authentic and engaged community.
This podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Connecting with Susan Park, PhD, CAE

In this episode, we talk to Susan Park, PhD, CAE, executive director of the Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation. Join us for a conversation about her career journey, leadership advice, inspiring the next generation of leaders, the future of DEI in the association space, why we should all focus on our well-being, and how VSAE helped advance her career.
Show notes
Dr. Susan Park (she/her) is the Executive Director of the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF), a scientific society dedicated to advancing the understanding and wise stewardship of estuarine and coastal ecosystems worldwide. She oversees all CERF activities, including a biennial conference andthe scholarly journal Estuaries and Coasts. She has spent her career supporting organizations that connect science and management of coastal and marine resources. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Park was the Associate Director of Virginia Sea Grant. She also served as a Senior Program Officer with the Ocean Studies Board of The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine; AdjunctProfessor at Trinity Washington University; and NOAA Coastal Management Fellow with the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management. Dr. Park received her Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Delaware, and her M.A. and B.A. in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. She lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband and four furbabies.
This podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Connecting with Kristen Reid and Eric Hash

In this episode, we talk Kristen Reid, CMP, Vice President of Education & Training for the Virginia Bankers Association, and Eric Hash, CEO of the Harrisonburg Rockingham Association of REALTORS - two graduates from this year’s cohort of Association Leadership Virginia. Join us for a conversation about the benefits of ALV, the importance of peer-to-peer mentorship, the overall experience of the program, key takeaways, and advice for those thinking about applying for the next cohort. 
 
Show notes
This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Connecting with Carter Lyons, CAE

In this episode, we talk to Carter Lyons, CAE, director of communications for Associated General Contractors of Virginia. Join us for a conversation about Carter's journey from elementary school teacher to association executive, her passion for life-long learning, diversifying communication channels, involving early career professionals in your organization, and the importance of being involved in VSAE. 
Show notes
An association leader with 12 years of experience, Carter Lyons serves as the Director of Communications for the Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA). In her role, she is focused on helping AGCVA members connect in a meaningful way with their association and the benefits available to them, as well as bringing awareness to the community about important work that is done by the construction industry. A lifelong learner and lover of education, Carter enjoys the opportunity to help others continue to grow professionally, while continuing to do so herself in order to better support those she serves. She earned the CAE designation in 2016, completed Association Leadership Virginia in 2019, was awarded VSAE’s Association Staff Award of Excellence in 2021, and can’t resist a good book, podcast, or conversation about a list of nerdy things. With all that said, Carter is always happiest when with her family. She and her husband Walt are soaking up every possible moment with their two boys, Tucker and Graham, more than likely on a baseball field, football field, or basketball court but at every opportunity, enjoying a sunrise from the beach.
This podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Connecting with Laiya Rollins + Lucy Firebaugh

In this episode, we talk to the co-chairs of VSAE’s Early Career Professionals Task Force, Laiya Rollins, membership and workforce initiatives manager at LeadingAge Virginia, and Lucy Firebaugh, communications and membership specialist for the Association of Consulting Foresters. Join us for a conversation about the importance of young and emerging professionals within VSAE and the association community as a whole, as well as networking, mentorship, and leadership development. 
Show notes
Laiya Rollins is the Membership & Workforce Initiatives Manager at LeadingAge Virginia, the association of not-for-profit aging services organizations serving residents and providers across the senior care continuum. She is responsible for the Association's membership & sponsorship recruitment and services function; including website-database management, and coordinates the Association's workforce initiatives. Laiya is a member of the Virginia Society of Association Executives and serves on their Early Career Professionals Group as a co-chair, the Young NonProfit Professional Network serving on their Leadership Team as well as the American Society Association Executives. She attended Old Dominion University, majoring in Business Administration with a focus on Human Resources. Laiya is from Norfolk, Virginia and now resides in the Richmond area with her husband DJ and three young daughters: Elliana, Autumn and Milani.
 
Lucy Firebaugh is the Communications & Membership Specialist for the Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF), a national organization headquartered in Williamsburg, Virginia. She is responsible for the overall communications of ACF including developing social media and website content, newsletters, and other various publications. She also handles all membership related inquiries and assists landowners who reach out seeking a professional ACF consulting forester in their area. Lucy is a member of the Virginia Society of Association Executives and serves on their Membership Committee and Early Career Professionals Group. Lucy grew up in Glen Allen, Virginia just outside of Richmond and now resides in Prince George, Virginia with her fiancée Matthew and beagle companion Tyson. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a B.A. in Communications with a concentration in Advertising.
 
This podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Connecting with the VSAE Award of Excellence Recipients

In this episode, we talk to three recipients of this year's VSAE Award of Excellence. Join us for a conversation with Ray Mattes, CAE, president and CEO of the Retail Alliance; Phyllis Errico, CAE, General Counsel to the Virginia Association of Counties; and Jamie Mitchell with the Virginia Beach CVB. Each of these guests have a lot to say about their career journeys, leadership insights, and the sense of community that VSAE brings.

Connecting with Christina Lewellen, MBA, CAE

In this episode, we talk to Christina Lewellen, MBA, CAE, executive director of the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools. Join us for a conversation about Christina's journey through the association space from content creator to executive director, her passions and challenges, and some inspiring advice for emerging leaders. 
Show notes
Christina is a seasoned association executive who has served industries ranging from window manufacturers to court reporters to proposal writers. She brings a data-driven framework to business planning and strategy, having earned her MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology and the Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives. She was named the Executive Director of ATLIS in 2019, and serves in a variety of ways as an advocate for independent schools and their leadership teams. She and her family live in Virginia and tweets at @christinaATLIS. 
 
This podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

Connecting with Cari Thomas, CAE

In this episode, we talk to Rear Admiral Cari Thomas, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of Coast Guard Mutual Assistance. Join us for an engaging conversation wrapped around Cari's personal journey in the military and how it prepared her for the association space, her passion about volunteerism, her leadership advice, and why family is so important to her. 
 
Show notes
 
Full transcript here: https://bit.ly/3s9pjmA
 
Rear Admiral Cari Thomas is pleased to serve as the Chief Executive Officer, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance.  Since 1924, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) has provided more than $220 million in financial assistance.  
With a career of service to the United States in both public and private capacities, she also served as the Executive Director the Navy League of the United States, on the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Military Services, and on the Board, Navy Mutual Aid Association.  Throughout her life, Mrs. Thomas volunteered for different organizations that help the disadvantaged, veterans, or animals.
Mrs. Thomas served her nation as a career Coast Guardsman for over 32 years as a commissioned officer.  During her career, she commanded units both at sea and ashore.  Rear Admiral Thomas also worked in marketing, financial management, personnel, constituency services and disaster management.  She was named a United States International Maritime Organization (IMO) Ambassador in 2015.
Rear Admiral Thomas has advanced degrees from the Coast Guard Academy, Troy University, and the Naval War College. In 2017, Mrs. Thomas earned a Non-Profit Executive Management Certificate from Georgetown University.  She became a Certified Association Executive (CAE) in 2021. 
Cari Thomas’ personal awards include the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal, the Department of Defense Exceptional Public Service Medal, the Department of State Superior Honor Award, and various other personal, unit and campaign awards. She has been married for over 36 years and has an adult daughter and son-in-law.  
 
Cari welcomes your email. Feel free to email her at cari.thomas@cgmahq.org.
 
This podcast is produced by Association Briefings

Connecting with Steven Williams, CAE

In our inaugural episode, we talk to Steven Williams, CAE, association veteran and current president of the Virginia Society of Association Executives. Join us for an engaging conversation wrapped around Steven's career journey in the association space, his passions, his leadership advice, and a few interesting nuggets about Virginia life. 
 
Show notes
 
Full transcript here: https://bit.ly/3CPp6f7
 
Steven Williams, CAE has over 20 years of experience in association management. He has served in many capacities including marketing, public relations, member service, and event planning. Steven is also experienced in project management, graphic design, website development, contract negotiation, and publishing and circulation. In 2022, Steven was named president of the Virginia Society of Association Executives—the association for association professionals. He holds the Certified Association Executive designation and attended Bluefield College where he became interested in communications after interviewing Iran-Contra figure Oliver North for the school paper. Steven is a native of Virginia and is married with two children.
 
This podcast is produced by Association Briefings